McLaren brings modest floor and brake upgrades to Austin
McLaren will introduce a modest package of upgrades to the MCL40 floor and braking system at the 2026 United States Grand Prix. The changes target braking reliability and performance issues seen in recent races, alongside small floor modifications for testing. Chief technical officer Rob Marshall confirmed the updates ahead of the Circuit of the Americas event.
McLaren targets braking reliability at COTA
McLaren will bring a modest selection of upgrades to the MCL40 for the 2026 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. The package focuses on braking reliability and performance issues that have affected the car in recent rounds, together with small floor changes for testing. [1]
Chief technical officer and chief designer Rob Marshall confirmed the targeted updates. He noted that the changes aim to address specific problems without a wholesale revision of the car. [2]
Track characteristics suit development goals
The Circuit of the Americas features high-speed corners and demanding kerbs that generate high loads. McLaren expects the venue to play to the MCL40 strengths after a run of less favorable circuits. Friday practice will help validate development tools against real-world data across varied corner types. [3]
Related reading
- [1]McLaren confirm 'modest' changes in 'stronger' warning to F1 rivals (racingnews365). Accessed 2026-10-22.
- [2]McLaren bringing 'modest' upgrades to COTA, with one eye on 2027 developments (racer). Accessed 2026-10-22.
- [3]McLaren llega con novedades a Austin, un circuito que se adapta al MCL40 (motorsport). Accessed 2026-10-22.